“In an era of evolving financial crime threats, this comprehensive one-day training equips compliance professionals, MLROs, and frontline staff with practical knowledge of UK AML/CTF regulations, enhanced KYC processes, sanctions compliance, and red flag detection to strengthen institutional defenses and meet FCA expectations effectively.”
Detailed Course Overview
The financial services landscape in the United Kingdom faces persistent and sophisticated threats from money laundering and terrorist financing. Regulated entities must maintain robust systems and controls to comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs), as overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Recent reforms emphasize proportionate risk-based approaches, refined customer due diligence, and stronger oversight mechanisms.
This specialized one-day training course, delivered by an experienced FCA expert with deep regulatory insight, delivers targeted, actionable education tailored for professionals in banks, investment firms, payment providers, cryptoasset businesses, and other FCA-supervised entities. The intensive format condenses essential topics into a full-day session, blending theoretical foundations with real-world applications, case studies, and interactive discussions to ensure immediate applicability.
Why This Training Matters Now
Financial crime remains a top priority for the FCA, with ongoing enforcement actions highlighting deficiencies in AML controls. Recent national risk assessments and policy updates underscore vulnerabilities in sectors such as property, cryptoassets, and professional services. Institutions must adapt to clarified expectations around enhanced due diligence (EDD), domestic politically exposed persons (PEPs), digital identity verification, and information sharing under evolving frameworks like the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
Participants gain the tools to assess risks, implement compliant procedures, and contribute to a culture of compliance that protects the integrity of the UK financial system.
Course Structure and Key Modules
The program follows a logical progression from foundational concepts to advanced practical implementation.
Module 1: Understanding Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks
Definitions and stages of money laundering: placement, layering, and integration.
Distinctions between money laundering and terrorist financing, including funding sources and typologies.
Current UK threat landscape, including high-risk sectors and emerging methods such as cryptoasset exploitation and trade-based schemes.
Overview of international standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and their transposition into UK law.
Module 2: The UK Regulatory Framework and FCA Expectations
Core requirements under the MLRs and alignment with FSMA obligations.
Role of the FCA as primary supervisor for financial institutions, including recent supervisory priorities.
Senior management accountability, including the responsibilities of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
Updates from recent consultations and reforms, such as proportionate EDD application, narrowed high-risk third-country triggers, and guidance on domestic PEPs.
Module 3: Risk-Based Approach and Business-Wide Risk Assessments
Conducting firm-wide and customer-specific risk assessments.
Factors influencing risk scoring: customer type, geography, product/service, delivery channel, and transaction patterns.
Practical examples of risk assessment methodologies and documentation best practices.
Ongoing monitoring and review of risk profiles in light of changing threats.
Module 4: Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
Standard CDD measures: verifying customer identity, understanding the nature of the business relationship, and establishing source of funds/wealth where appropriate.
Simplified due diligence (SDD) scenarios and limitations.
Enhanced due diligence triggers, including high-risk third countries, PEPs (domestic and foreign), and complex/unusually large transactions.
Use of reliable independent sources for verification, including emerging digital identity solutions.
Ongoing monitoring obligations and transaction scrutiny.
Module 5: Sanctions Compliance and International Restrictions
Introduction to UK sanctions regimes and their intersection with AML/CTF controls.
Screening processes against consolidated lists and ownership/control identification.
Handling potential matches, false positives, and reporting obligations.
Practical challenges in high-volume environments and integration with broader compliance systems.
Module 6: Suspicious Activity Detection and Reporting
Recognizing red flags across customer onboarding, transactions, and behavioral indicators.
Common typologies in UK-regulated sectors, including layering through multiple accounts and rapid fund movements.
Internal escalation procedures and the role of the nominated officer.
Submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and managing consent requests.
Tipping-off prohibitions and confidentiality requirements.
Module 7: Record-Keeping, Training, and Internal Controls
Mandatory retention periods and secure storage of CDD documentation.
Staff training requirements, including role-specific content and frequency.
Internal policies, procedures, and controls, including independent audits and effectiveness monitoring.
Governance structures to ensure senior management oversight.
Module 8: Practical Workshops and Case Studies
Interactive scenarios simulating real-world onboarding challenges and suspicious transaction reviews.
Group exercises on risk assessment and EDD application.
Review of anonymized enforcement cases to illustrate regulatory expectations and consequences of non-compliance.
Who Should Attend
Compliance officers and AML specialists
Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) and deputies
Frontline staff involved in customer onboarding and transaction monitoring
Risk and legal professionals in financial institutions
Senior managers with oversight responsibilities under the regime
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the day, attendees will be able to:
Apply a risk-based approach to AML/CTF compliance in line with current FCA guidance.
Conduct effective KYC/CDD processes, including proportionate EDD and sanctions screening.
Identify and escalate suspicious activities while adhering to reporting obligations.
Understand recent regulatory changes and prepare for upcoming reforms.
Contribute to stronger internal controls and a compliant organizational culture.
This intensive course provides high-value, expert-led training without the multi-day commitment, making it ideal for busy professionals seeking to refresh knowledge or build foundational expertise in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or compliance advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals and refer to official regulatory sources for specific guidance.